Richard Stearman put the visitors ahead after only
53 seconds, left unmarked to head in Helder
Costa's free-kick.
Costa then set up Andreas Weimann to round
Liverpool keeper Loris Karius and double Wolves'
lead before the break.
Divock Origi scored late on to set up a frantic
finale but a largely subdued Liverpool failed to find
an equaliser.
The result is the second defeat in cup competition
in four days for Jurgen Klopp's side after they lost
to Southampton in the EFL Cup semi-finals on
Wednesday, and a third home defeat in a week.
Wolves' second straight victory over Premier
League opposition in the FA Cup sees them reach
the fifth round for the first time since 2008.
Groundhog Day in January
Liverpool have now won just one game in eight in
January, with the Reds reliving recent mistakes as
they failed to break down an organised team while
also showing crippling defensive frailty.
Their weakness at the back was exposed inside
the first minute, the hosts conceding a free-kick on
right for the left-footed Costa to swing in a
dangerous cross, with Origi and Georginio
Wijnaldum failing to pick up Stearman, who easily
headed in at the back post.
The other symptom of Liverpool's January blues
was also apparent as they dominated territory and
possession but could not unpick a well-drilled
Wolves defence, the previously free-scoring Reds
having managed only six goals in those eight
games.
Indeed, it took until 59 minutes for the hosts to
have a shot on target, substitute Philippe Coutinho
drawing a straightforward save from Wolves' 20-
year-old goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne, making only
his third senior appearance.
Trying to find some attacking fluency, Klopp also
sent on Daniel Sturridge, with the England striker
showing composure to steer the ball back across
the box late on for Origi to fire in, but it ultimately
proved in vain.
With another meek exit from a major competition,
Liverpool's season now looks in danger of
completely unravelling, with all hopes pinned on
the Premier League as a crucial match against
leaders Chelsea beckons on 31 January.
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